PARIS—Thousands of “yellow-vest” protesters took to France’s streets Saturday, some clashing with riot police, in a renewed show of force against the government after demonstrations flagged during the holiday season.

A peaceful march along the Seine river turned violent when riot police blocked hundreds of protesters outside the Musée d’Orsay. Groups of demonstrators launched projectiles at police, who used tear gas to disperse them. Video posted to social media showed two policemen being dragged to the ground and repeatedly...